Abu Mihjan Al-Thaqafi
Abu Mihjan, whose full name is Abu Mihjan bin Habib bin Amr bin Umayr Al-Thaqafi, is a notable figure in Islamic history with some dispute over his exact name. Some sources suggest it might be Abdullah, Amr, or Malik. He embraced Islam after the Year of Delegations and is reputed to be a ‘mukhadrim’ poet, indicating he lived both in the Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic) and Islamic eras. Born in Ta’if among members of his tribe, Abu Mihjan led a life marked by indulgence in entertainment, gambling, and wine. His father was among the dignitaries of Banu Thaqif who accepted Islam following the conversion of a delegation from their tribe, while his mother, Khanduq bint Umayyah, hailed from the Quraysh.
The Story of Abu Mihjan Al-Thaqafi
Abu Mihjan faced challenges with alcohol consumption, frequently being brought before authorities to be flogged for his offenses, only to repeat the behavior. However, this did not deter him from supporting his faith, as evidenced by his participation in the Battle of Qadisiyyah, led by Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas. During the battle, he was found drinking and subsequently imprisoned by Sa’d. Distressed by confinement, he listened to the sounds of battle—clang of swords and the neighing of horses—and pleaded with Sa’d’s wife to release him. He promised that if he survived, he would return to his shackles, but if he perished, they would no longer have to deal with him. She compassionately agreed to set him free, and he mounted Sa’d’s horse, Al-Balqaa, fighting valiantly in the battle. True to his word, after the fighting concluded, he returned to his cell. Upon seeing him, Sa’d proclaimed: “Stand up, for by Allah, I shall never punish you for drinking again.” Abu Mihjan replied, “And I swear, I will never drink it again.”
Poetic Verses of Abu Mihjan Al-Thaqafi
According to Ibn Al-A’rabi, some verses attributed to Abu Mihjan were composed as he renounced alcohol. He expressed:
I saw wine as a tempting thing,
With virtues that ruin the wise man.
So, by Allah, I will not drink it for life,
Nor will I ever serve it to a companion.
Historical accounts reveal that Abu Mihjan made a poignant request before his passing:
When I die, bury me beside a vine,
That will nourish my bones with its veins after my death.
Do not bury me in the wilderness, for I fear
That when I die, I might not taste it anymore.